By Mary Lou Hughes and Sister Kathy Burton, SSJ
“We cannot forget the innumerable multitude of lay people who have directly taken part in the spreading of the Gospel through catechetical teaching.”
This statement is found in Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Letter entitled Antiquum Ministerium, establishing the Ministry of Catechist. This may seem strange to many, especially if you are presently serving in your parish or Catholic school as a catechist.
So, what makes this letter so meaningful?
There are several things. Before this, the ministry of catechist had a different status from other instituted ministries such as acolyte or lector. In Antiquum Ministerium, issued in the form of “Motu Proprio” which means “on his own initiative,” Pope Francis officially establishes catechist as an instituted ministry in the church. Pope Francis stresses the importance of acknowledging this ministry as a vocation. He calls the catechists men and women who are called to work collaboratively with their priests and deacons.
In addition to outlining the historical roots for this ministry, Pope Francis clearly describes the person of the catechist as an “expert in passing on the faith.” Every catechist, he says, is a witness, a teacher, a mystagogue (teacher of mystical doctrines), companion and pedagogue.” He defines the catechist as one who has the capacity to be authentic, creatively using the resources available, and possessing a strong fidelity to the past while being responsible for the present. But, above all, the catechist is one who is attentive to the Holy Spirit.
In this letter the Holy Father goes on to define what is necessary for one to be a catechist. He or she must be a person of prayer, committed to study, and be an active participant in the life of the community.
“Quality in the catechetical ministry is guaranteed only when the catechist is accompanied and qualified for this specific vocation and task,” said Msgr. Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst in his speech for the presentation of Antiquum Ministerium.
With respect to the formation of the catechist, each diocese is charged to provide formation opportunities for this ministry. Diocesan programs offer the ability to tailor the formation to the needs of the local church community.
Here in this diocese, there are several options for the certification of catechists. The Church Ministry Institute of Camden (CMIC) offers courses in prayer/spirituality, Scripture, sacraments, church history, ecclesiology, and lay/catechetical formation. The courses are available to our Spanish speaking catechists through the Instituto Ministerio Eclesial de Camden (IMEC).
In addition, our partnership with the University of Dayton offers courses similar to these in a virtual platform. CMIC classes are available either in seat or virtual. IMEC classes are offered at various locations throughout the diocese. In addition, human and spiritual formation days are presented periodically throughout the year to provide the catechist opportunities for prayer and reflection.
The vocation of the catechist is essential to the evangelizing ministry of the church. Catechists are necessary collaborators with priests and deacons. As Pope Francis states in his letter, we need well formed, prayerful lay men and women to respond to Jesus’ invitation to “Go, and preach the Gospel to all nations. …”
Perhaps Jesus may be offering you this invitation.
What will your answer be?
Mary Lou Hughes is director of Lay Ministry Foundation, Diocese of Camden.
Sister Kathy Burton, SSJ, is former co-director of Faith and Family Life Formation.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
